The DUP has vowed to invest in Northern Ireland’s infrastructure in a “secure and more prosperous” future within the UK.
Speaking at the DUP conference, Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA, Deborah Erskine, chair of the infrastructure committee, said the party has a “clear vision” for the country.
She said: “We are the Party that will speak up for Northern Ireland and lead for Unionism.
“Because we care deeply about this place and its people.”
Mrs. Erskine outlined the importance of leaving a better Northern Ireland for future generations.
She said: “As custodians of Northern Ireland, it is our job to leave Northern Ireland a better place to live, work and raise a family for the next generation.”
Ahead of Ulster Day, the 112th anniversary of the “historic signing of the Ulster Covenant”, Mrs. Erskine said: “The men and women who signed their name made their mark for Northern Ireland.
“They had a vision and determination to see this part of the world thrive.”
She highlighted the significant transformation of Northern Ireland from a century ago, when it was renowned for shipbuilding and linen factories, to a “prime destination for foreign direct investment,” leading in areas such as cyber security, fintech, and advanced manufacturing.
However, she acknowledged that much work is still needed, particularly in modernising and expanding the region’s infrastructure.
Mrs. Erskine said: “Our infrastructure – the roads we travel, the bridges that connect us, the public transport systems that serve us, and the digital networks that drive innovation – all of this is the backbone of our economy and the fabric of everyday life in Northern Ireland.
“Yet, we know that much of our infrastructure is in need of modernisation and expansion to meet the demands of today and tomorrow.”
She said the DUP is ready to take on the challenge of improving Northern Ireland’s infrastructure.
She added: “We won’t simply stick our head in the sand.
“In the Executive, the DUP is working on an Investment Strategy which targets intervention in roads, transport, schools, health facilities, social housing, water infrastructure and a range of other areas.”
Mrs. Erskine emphasised the need for better transport links, particularly in rural and coastal areas, and called for improved connections by sea, air, and rail between Great Britain, Northern Ireland, and the rest of the British Isles.
She said: “The lack of rural and coastal transport links is harming economic growth.
“We cannot continue to have communities served with public transport that comes twice a day during the week.
In closing, Mrs. Erskine urged everyone to join in the effort to promote a “vibrant, prosperous, and integral part of the United Kingdom”.
She said: “While some others focus on Northern Ireland’s destruction, everyone in this room is bound by a shared vision – a vision of progress, prosperity, and a thriving Northern Ireland in which every citizen has the opportunity to succeed.
“If we are serious about delivering this brighter future, we must prioritise and champion infrastructure investment.
“Together, I am confident that we can achieve remarkable things.”